We are proud to announce that the U.S.-based publisher Houghton Mifflin Harcourt has acquired the World English rights to Tuutikki Tolonen’s prize-winning middle-grade novel Monster Nanny, while the simplified Chinese rights were sold to Beijing Children’s Publishing House. The rights are now sold in 8 territories!

Tuutikki Tolonen’s Monster Nanny is the first part in a duology, illustrated by the renowned artist Pasi Pitkänen, and its follow-up Monster Route will be out in the fall of 2016. The novel recently received the prestigious Arvid Lydecken Prize for an outstanding children’s novel.

A blend of Where the Wild Things Are, Mary Poppins and My Neighbor Totoro, Monster Nanny tells the story of a contemporary family whose daily routines are turned upside-down when a hairy, swamp-smelling creature said to be specializing in childcare shows up at their doorstep.

Praise:

“I loved this fresh and funny novel. The author matter-of-factly creates a world where monsters work as nannies and bathrobes talk – there’s a classic old fashioned, Roald Dahl feel to it with the everyday and the fantastic interacting seamlessly. We’re happy to bring this clever and engaging Finnish novel to US readers.” — Margaret Raymo, senior editor, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

“I am scared of monsters, but very fond of Monster Nanny! I will tell the Chinese readers: if you want a monster and a friend, pick this work up.” — Qi Yangping, Editor, Beijing Children’s Publishing House

“Tuutikki Tolonen’s Monster Nanny is an original, fresh and skillfully constructed novel, which appeals seamlessly to both juvenile and adult readers. The characters are easy to identify with, the narration flows freely, and the mystery of the monsters soon has the reader hooked. Themes of friendship and tolerance are woven in the thrilling and good-natured adventure. – – Monster Nanny has all the ingredients of a beloved children’s classic.” — Arvid Lydecken Prize jury

Tuutikki Tolonen is the author of several acclaimed children’s books, plays and academic articles. For Monster Nanny she received the Arvid Lydecken award. She teaches creative writing and has worked as an editor and reporter at Vinski, Finland’s only literary journal for children. Her inspiration for the Monster Nanny duology sparked during a family breakfast. “My son Leo, then six, said: ‘I heard on the radio yesterday that all moms have to go on vacation and monsters will take their places,” she says.